UFC BJJ 4 touched down at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and delivered one of the strongest cards the promotion has put together so far. With three titles on the line, highlight-reel submissions, and a few breakout performances that lit up the room, this event proved that UFC’s dedicated jiu-jitsu format is no longer an experiment — it’s becoming a destination.
Here’s everything that mattered from a stacked night on the mats.
Andrew Tackett Submits Elijah Dorsey to Retain the Welterweight Title
The main event didn’t waste anyone’s time.
Andrew Tackett, already one of the most dangerous submission hunters under the UFC BJJ banner, once again showed why he’s the man to beat. After a brief feeling-out period, Tackett caught Elijah Dorsey in a sharp heel hook at 2:21 of Round 1, forcing the tap and keeping the welterweight belt around his waist.
It wasn’t just the finish — it was the composure. Tackett neutralized Dorsey’s early pressure, entered the legs with purpose, and tightened the submission with zero hesitation.
Then came the callout.
Post-match, Tackett challenged none other than Michael Chandler, hinting that he wants names far beyond the pure grappling circuit. Bold? Definitely. But with performances like this, hard to argue.
Ronaldo Junior Wins the Middleweight Championship
The co-main event crowned the first UFC BJJ middleweight champion, and Ronaldo Junior rose to the moment.
Facing William Tackett, Junior put together a disciplined performance built on pressure, guard passing attempts, and nonstop control. The judges had no trouble awarding him the unanimous decision, making him the inaugural champion at 185 lbs.
This win felt like more than a title — it felt like a statement that Junior has fully adapted to the stricter UFC BJJ rule set and is here to stay.
Aurelie Le Vern Becomes the First Women’s Featherweight Champion
Another inaugural title was decided when Aurelie Le Vern submitted Raquel Canuto with a nasty kimura/hammerlock in the first round.
Le Vern wasted zero time: quick takedown, immediate positional climb, pressure… then torque. The tap came fast, and with it, Le Vern became the first woman to hold the UFC BJJ featherweight strap.
A huge moment for her — and a big signal to the rest of the division.
Rapid-Fire Finishes & Breakout Performances
UFC BJJ 4 wasn’t just about the belts. The undercard delivered some genuinely electric moments:
Landon “Big Slime” Elmore
Stole the show early with a sub-minute foot lock, melting Nate Hernandez in under 45 seconds.
Andy Varela
Looked sharp and calculated before snatching an inside heel hook on Robby Malof in the third round.
Jussier Formiga
The former UFC contender picked up a clean decision win over Lucas Pinheiro, reminding everyone that high-level MMA veterans can still be terrifying in pure grappling.
Mayssa Bastos & Dorian Olivarez
Both handled their fights with disciplined, steady decision victories.
Bella Mir vs. Rana Willink
A spotlight fight with a storyline: Frank Mir’s daughter vs. Jocko Willink’s daughter.
Bella Mir delivered heavy top pressure and enough control to secure a majority decision — and plenty of blood, grit, and highlight moments along the way.
UFC BJJ Is Finding Its Identity — Fast
What started as a curious side project has turned into a legitimate proving ground for elite no-gi athletes. UFC BJJ 4 was polished, fast-paced, and stacked with both established names and rising talent.
With champions like Andrew Tackett, Ronaldo Junior, and Aurelie Le Vern leading the charge, the promotion has real star power — and real momentum.
If this event is any indication, UFC BJJ is becoming a serious player in the grappling world… and absolutely must-see viewing for fans.
